Week 2 Reading Convergence Culture

Lion, W. (artist). (2009). Playing with information. [photo]. Retrieved June 21, 2009, from http://www.flickr.com/photos/will-lion/3601144842/

I find the whole power struggle between producer and consumer to be a little bit ironic especially because of the mass merchandise that is produced to promote products/movies. Convergence Culture points out this irony as consumers are allow to wear shirts, hang poster, and play video games promoting and/or based on things like movies, yet frowns on that same consumer posting any images related to their product on their webpages, etc. Does the mega giant forget that this is free advertising for them that could open up the doors to attract new fans who will ultimately pad their pocket. I do recognize some danger in allowing consumers to produce their own versions of a movie which could devalue or draw attention away from the original production. However, the creative freedom and expression of individuals leads to quite entertaining cinema and often leads to opportunities that stem from their altered creations. If any one person or entity had complete control of media, what would happen to our freedoms?

Waiting on permission to use photo...Permission Granted! Thanks Will